A senior planner's safari packing list
1. After 15 years of guiding, I can tell you the…
After 15 years of guiding, I can tell you the most common packing regret is bringing too much. Camps do laundry daily; you really only need three or four outfits in rotation.
2. Stick to neutral, earthy tones, khaki, olive, soft brown, stone
Stick to neutral, earthy tones, khaki, olive, soft brown, stone. Avoid bright white (dust), black or dark blue (attracts tsetse flies), and camouflage (illegal in Tanzania for civilians).
3. Layers matter more than warmth
Layers matter more than warmth. Mornings can be cold enough for a fleece; midday is shorts weather. A light puffer for crater days and balloon mornings is wise.
4. What people forget: a soft duffel (hard cases don't fit…
What people forget: a soft duffel (hard cases don't fit on bush flights), good sunglasses, a wide-brim hat, a small headlamp, and a refillable water bottle.
5. What people overpack: shoes (one pair of broken-in walking shoes…
What people overpack: shoes (one pair of broken-in walking shoes is plenty), 'safari jackets' with twelve pockets, and books (the camps have libraries).
Joseph Mollel, Lead Guide
Published 22 August 2025
